Solar

There are many programs and resources to help individuals and businesses go solar. However, it is important to always make energy efficiency improvements first. Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce electricity bills and improve comfort. The less energy a house uses, the smaller and less expensive the solar equipment required.

Why Go Solar ?

Reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity bill

Potentially increases your property value

Proven, mature technology

Variety of financing options

Reduce your carbon emissions

Protection from future electricity price fluctuations

Low maintenance once installed

Limited Time Solar and Electric Vehicle Program

The City of Walnut Creek is excited to announce that SunShares opens for registration on August 1!

SunShares is a renewable energy program making it easier and more affordable for Bay Area residents to go solar or purchase an electric vehicle. SunShares offers a 15% discount on solar installation and pre-vetted solar providers. Plus, you can still take advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit.

The total cost for a rooftop solar PV system will be based on several factors, such as the size of the system, labor, permit fees, and more. In 2015, the City Council adopted an ordinance to allow for an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

In December 2016, Congress approved extending the Solar Investment Tax Credit, which currently provides a 30% federal tax credit for solar systems installed on residential and commercial properties. This tax credit was set to expire at the end of 2016, but is now extended through the end of 2019, helping to keep solar affordable for homeowners and businesses here in Walnut Creek. After 2019, the tax credits have different expiration dates and values by year for residential and commercial projects. For more information about tax credits, see the Financing page.

New Net Energy Metering Policy

On January 28, 2016, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ruled in favor of extending California’s net energy metering (NEM) program. Net energy metering allows customers with on-site renewable energy generation, like solar, to receive a financial credit for excess power generated by their systems.

For the most part, the decision is seen as largely preserving many of the benefits of NEM for future solar customers. New solar customers will need to pay a one-time interconnection fee ranging from $75 and $150, and some additional charges. Utilities would place new NEM customers on time-of-use rates, which rise during periods of high electricity demand. The new NEM program will take effect for new solar customers after the utilities reach certain participation caps, or July 1, 2017, whichever occurs first. Existing solar owners are exempted from all the NEM changes for 20 years from when they installed their systems and connected to the grid. For more information, visit PG&E's website.

More Resources

Renewable energy can include solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, or geothermal power, and can help significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard, investor owned electricity and natural gas utilities, like PG&E, are required to have 33% of their energy mix come from renewables by the end of 2020.

California Solar Statistics is the official public reporting site of the California Solar Initiative (CSI), presented by the CSI Program Administrators and the CPUC. You can view and download data, find an active solar contractor, and search for specific solar projects.

The Open PV Project is an initiative between the government, industry, and the public to compile a comprehensive database of PV installation data for the nation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) jump started the database with data from large utilities, state incentive programs, and other organizations.